News

12/27/2010 10:20 AM - Rockford, Ill- The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned goaltender Hannu Toivonen to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

The 25 year-old goaltender did not appear in Chicago’s 4-1 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday after being recalled earlier in the day.

Toivonen has appeared in 16 games with Rockford in 2010-11 and has a record of 5-5-3 with one shutout. The Hattula, Finland native also carries a .890 save percentage and a 3.12 goals against average.

The Boston Bruins first round pick (#29 overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Toivonen has played in 61 NHL total with the Bruins and St. Louis Blues. Toivonen has an 18-30-4 career record in the NHL with a .889 SPCT and a 3.37 GAA.

In addition, Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced that the IceHogs have reassigned goalie Joe Palmer to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.

Palmer has appeared in nine games for the Walleye with a record of 3-6-0-0. The Yorkville, New York, native shows a 3.66 goals against average and a .869 SPCT on the campaign.

Chicago’s fourth round pick (#96 overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft spent the 2009-10 season with the Texas Brahmas (CHL). Palmer appeared in 32 contests, finishing the season 13-10-4 with 2.75 GAA and a .914 SPCT.

The 22 year-old played three seasons collegiately at Ohio State University (NCAA), where he appeared in 71 games and compiled a career record of 25-36-9 to go along with 3.04 GAA and a .889 save percentage. Palmer also represented the USA in the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championships.

Next Home Game: Thursday, Dec. 30. vs. the Houston Aeros. Puck drop is at 6:35 p.m. Thursday is sell out night courtesy of WIFR. WIFR-TV Channel 23 in Rockford has purchased all the remaining seats for the Rockford IceHogs game on Thursday, Dec. 30 against the Houston Aeros and is offering them to the community through their Web site.